US President Donald Trump has decided to remove Katie Zacharia from her position as White House press secretary, just a week after her appointment. According to CNN, a US administration official has confirmed that Zacharia is leaving the post and is expected to permanently leave the administration in the coming days.
The decision comes after a rocky start to the position, with criticism of her first appearance before reporters and media questions about her past. According to the president's advisers, Trump had previously expressed doubts about whether Zacharias was the right person for the job.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, the US president said he had personally advised her to reconsider her position. "Honestly, if I were you, I would reconsider," he reportedly told her, adding that he did not think it was necessary for her to continue in the role.
Before leaving for Georgia, where he was to attend a political rally, Trump said Zacharias had been treated unfairly by the media and described her as a loyal supporter. However, he acknowledged that the position of chief White House press secretary might not be a good fit for her.
According to CNN, the president continues to have personal respect and appreciation for Zachary, but that has not changed his decision to remove her. Thus, just seven days after taking office, she ends one of the shortest terms in this position.
The dismissal was also confirmed by Reuters, citing a White House official. An important detail for the news: Zacharia admitted that she had not passed the professional bar exam, although she had presented herself as a lawyer. This was one of the main controversies that preceded the dismissal.
